Iran Seizes 240,000 Mining Rigs in Three Years: Energy Crisis Deepens

Iranian authorities have confiscated 240,000 cryptocurrency mining devices over the past three years, Cryptopolitan reports. State-run Tavanir estimates the unlicensed operations consumed roughly 800 megawatts, nearly 80% of the Bushehr reactor’s capacity. The country has struggled with rolling blackouts due to overwhelming demand on its power grid.

Officials claim most seized rigs were installed in concealed farms, hidden within industrial areas or private residences. After sections of Tehran suffered recurrent outages, the government intensified its crackdown.

To mitigate shortages, Iran imposed temporary bans on crypto deposits and withdrawals, fearing further depreciation of its national currency. Licensed miners can still operate, but must adhere to strict electricity caps and mandatory off-peak downtime.